Four Seasons Biltmore Green Review by Loren V.

Four Seasons Biltmore

1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara CA US

Expand Ratings: Green General

yes no unknown
Promotion
	Promotes "Green" The place of lodging actively promotes the environmentally friendly practices of their property. They do so in their advertising, web site, and promotional literature.
	"Green" Guest Education The place of lodging explains to their guests the "Green" initiatives of the property and explains to the guests how they can do "their part".
	"Green" Staff Education The place of lodging educates their staff about the "Green" initiatives of the property and and encourages their staff to support those initiatives.
	Membership in "Green" Associations The place of lodging is a member of one or more associations whose purpose is to protect and sustain the environment.
	Contributes to "Green" Causes The place of lodging supports causes by donating time and/or funds to companies or organizations that help preserve and protect the environment.
Conservation
	Alternative Energy Source The property utilizes sources of renewable energy. Examples are: biomass, photovoltaic conversion, small hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, etc. and do not use fossil fuels.
	Conservation in Maintenance As the property is maintained old equipment and fixtures (wasteful toilets, light bulbs, shower heads, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) are updated with more efficient and conserving replacements.
	Energy Conservation High energy consumption fixtures and appliances have been replaced with their energy efficient counterparts. Sensors are used to automatically turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating. Rooms have optomized to retain heating or cooling through improved insulation.
	Water Conservation Water is conserved through use of items such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads.
	Xeric Landscaping Xeriscape is landscaping designed to conserve water. Water is conserved through the use of native plants and minimal plant groundcover. Desert landscaping utilizing indigenous plants, and gravel for a majority of the groundcover is an example to xeric landscaping.
Cleaning
	Towel Reuse Program Guests determine when towels are washed. This allows the guest to do their part in conserving water, detergents, and towel life.
	Sheet Reuse Program Guests determine when sheets are washed. This allows the guest to do their part in conserving water, detergents, and sheet life.
	Cotton Sheets/Towels Organic cotton sheets and towels do not add VOC's, thereby improving air quality. Organic cotton is a sustainable product whereas synthetic fabrics are not because of their reliance on petrochemicals.
	Environmental Safe Cleaning The property uses environmentally friendly chemicals for cleaning. Also included are perfumed or scented laundry supplies, carpet cleaners, cleaning supplies, or air fresheners, and other products tha could be harsh or harmful.
	Non-smoking The property does not allow smoking in the guestrooms or common area of the buildings.
Recycling
	Recyclable Disposables Many plastic and foam disposable products (cups, bowls, plates, and clam-shell boxes) are not recyclable or bio-degradable and are manufactured from non-sustainable petrochemicals. Recyclable disposable products are good alternatives.
	Compostable Disposables The use of disposable service items, such as paper napkins and corn-based plastic, that are biodegradable.
	Gray-Water Recycling Using gray water for irrigation of gardens and landscaping. Gray water is wastewater from bathrooms sinks and showers/tubs, kitchens, laundry sinks and tubs, and washing machines where only non-polluting, biodegradable detergents are utilized.
	Recycling Bins in Guestroom Containers located in guestrooms, properly labeled, for the express purpose of enabling guests to separate trash from recyclable items.
	Recycling Bins Around Property Containers located in the common areas of the property, properly labeled, for the express purpose of enabling guests and staff to separate trash from recyclable items.
Consumables & Food
	Bulk Amenities & Soap Bulk dispensers utilitzed in guestrooms and bathrooms providing soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in bulk rather than in individual packaging.
	Composting of Food Waste The biological decomposition of solid organic materials by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms into a soil-like product that can be used to enrich garden soils.
	Organic Food Available The property serves food that has been organically grown, free form fertilizers or pesticides.
	Eco-friendly Food Available The property serves food that has been grown in a manner friendly to the environment, organically grown, often local and freshly harvested.
	Purchases from local vendors The supports local business through the purchase of products from local vendors, and produce from local farms if available.

A very attractive property

Luxurious

Loren V.

Visited April 2008 - The location of this property is the greatest and the grounds are really nice. The restaurant was fancy and expensive, but the food was delicious! The pool was OK - but small and crowded on the weekend. For the most part, the staff service was very good, though the younger ones are still learning! All in all, a very nice experience here.

The Green Team is an enthusiastic group!

I talked with several employees about their green program, and all seemed to be quite enthusiastic. They did win a Green Award as reward for their efforts! They said that every new employee immediately gets formal training on the policies and procedures to follow. The "Green Team" has representatives from each department, and watches and works to improve - and maintain - their standards in things such as waste disposal, recycling, and electrical use, along with environmental options for the guests. You never can do too much, but they're doing a good job.